The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella didn't look at all surprised; she just nodded quietly.

"Mom," Keen said, his voice bubbling with excitement, "Aurora's going to the sports club to play tennis and go horseback riding. Can we go with her?"noveldrama

He gazed up at Aurora, his eyes shining with open admiration-so different from the way he looked at Rachel.

Keen liked Rachel because she let him get away with things Stella never would. If it made Keen happy, Rachel didn't care whether it was actually good for him or

not.

Aurora, on the other hand, was different. She would never let Keen do anything that might harm him. And yet, despite her boundaries, she still had a way of making Keen adore her, even look up to her.

It had only been a few days since Keen met Aurora, but he already liked her so much. Not even Rachel had managed that.

"You two go ahead," Stella said. "I need to get back and practice piano in a bit."

Keen's enthusiasm instantly fizzled out, as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water over him.

"If you're not going, Mom, then I don't want to go either," he mumbled, his face falling.

Stella's brow creased. "If you want to go, go with Ms. Williams. Don't worry about me."

Keen shook his head stubbornly. "Dad and I already agreed I'd spend today with you. I haven't seen you in ages, and it's finally the weekend-I don't have classes. Can't I just spend a little more time with you?"

His small, hopeful face was filled with cautious longing.

Stella's long absences and silence had made Keen realize that things weren't the same anymore-his mom wouldn't always be around like she used to. If he didn't behave, maybe she really would leave him behind.

Besides, Aunt Callie had told him to be good to his mom, and even Grandma had stopped saying Stella was an embarrassment to the family.

Meeting Keen's pleading eyes, Stella's resolve wavered.

Just then, Simone spoke up from the side. Ms. Cameron, it's rare for you and Keen to have a day together. Why not go A littles exercise is great for a child's growth-physically and mentally."

She smiled gently. "He's your son, after all. No matter how busy you are, one day can't hurt, right?"

Keen looked at Stella with wide, imploring eyes. "Mom..."

If Keen had tried to push her, Stella would have stood her ground. But no mother could resist such earnest. pleading from her child. And all he wanted was a bit more time with her. sŵnovel

Finally, Stella nodded.

Keen threw his arms around her, nearly knocking her off-balance. "I knew it! Mom, you're the best!"

Stella stiffened slightly. The last time Keen had hugged her and called her “the best mom" had been almost a year ago.

Meanwhile, Rachel's face tightened as Haynes continued to ignore her. The fallout from that video of Stella being pushed into the water had been worse than she'd imagined.

Glancing around, Rachel's gaze fell on Joshua, who sat quietly, saying nothing. She hadn't expected

Joshua to be so capable, to so

Stellastrust quickly or gainet

be brought along to family

even to

gatherings.

She looked at Joshua, hoping he'd say something on her behalf.

Joshua, ever perceptive, noticed Rachel's glance. He knew exactly what she wanted.

Suddenly, he spoke up.